INSIDE A Day of Honoring Mary Brings Joy in Service ND Theatre Benefits from the Talents of Mark Halstead ’80 The Magazine of Notre Dame High School Lancers Win First Basketball Title After 61 years SUMMER 2018

LEARNING WITH PURPOSE ND’s Strategic Vision Moves Boldly Forward Summer 2018 Contents

From Our Principal Dear Friends, To say that it was an exciting school year would be an understatement! 02 Our Lady Day 04 Strategic Plan A year that began with the implementation of our numerous Day of service and fun for all First year successes for Strategic Plan initiatives Raising the Bar: ND2020 culminated with the 127 members of the Class of 2018 receiving their diplomas at graduation and over $17 million in scholarships and grants to college. In between, students continued to grow in character, faith and intellect on a daily basis. As you read through Impact, we will share some of the highlights of the year with you - from a group of students using 3D printers to build prosthetic devices for children in need to our tremendously successful first Our 07 The Arts: ND Theatre 08 Basketball Lady Day to winning state titles Benefiting from the creative We’re #1 at last! in basketball, baseball and golf. talents of Mark Halstead ‘80 As always, I am so proud of our community for all that they have accomplished and how well they have represented our school. All the best,

Christopher Cipriano PRINCIPAL

11 Alumni News 12 Growing ND ND grads give back Gala 2018: Celebrating success

IMPACT MAGAZINE STAFF Contributing Photographers: POSTMASTER ON THE COVER The Magazine of Editor: Theresa (Saia ’79) Marzik, Amy Mortenson, Brian Pounds | Send address changes to: Ben Clark ’19 applies his Notre Dame High School P’04,’06,’10 CT Post, Christina Rodrigues ’12 Office of Advancement/ passion for environmental 220 Jefferson Street Design: Keating Associates, Inc./ Alumni Relations science at Lake Mohegan. Fairfield, CT 06825 ann-design IMPACT Magazine Notre Dame High School Visit us online at Contributing Editors: 220 Jefferson Street www.notredame.org Nina M. Riccio and Sandi Shelton Fairfield, CT 06825 twitter.com/NDFFLD facebook.com/NDFairfield ©2018 Notre Dame High School SCIENCE AND DANCE Programs Awarded

Grants school news

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL recently received two grants from Foundations in Education, a non-profit Manjot Singh ’19, Science Teacher Kathy Almeida and Alexys Ryan ’19 initiative created to assist the Diocese of Bridgeport’s mission to support Catholic education. She will use the $4,800 award for a new portable sound The first, “Community Building with 3D Printing,” was system as well as costumes for future performances, including awarded to Kathy Almeida, chair of the Notre Dame Science tap shoes, jazz shoes and props. Department and moderator of the school’s STEM Club. The “Dance is inherently appealing to young people and $12,000 awarded helped purchase three 3D printers, which is a vehicle where we can connect with our youth and help students will use for the “The Helping Hand Project,” which them find themselves by using their God-given talents,” said focuses on providing prosthetic devices for children in need. Hong. “One of the ways Notre Dame is unique is through its “I am very excited to be able to implement 3D printing approach to a holistic Catholic education by integrating a into our science curriculum and service projects,” said strong arts program into the curriculum.” Almeida. “Imagine being able to print a 3D human organ, Megan Loiz, a sophomore dance student, said that the fossil, airplane engine, robot, or prosthetic device for a needy improved sound system is going to make it possible for the child. In addition, our students will have the opportunity to students to hear the music while they’re on onstage, which will think outside the box as they design and create solutions to help them work together more easily. “We were all so thrilled real world problems using this innovative technology.” when we heard the exciting news,” she said. Sally Hong, Notre Dame’s dance teacher, received the second grant, called “Performing Arts in Catholic Education.” BY SANDI SHELTON

Paris in the Springtime

SIX VERY LUCKY NOTRE Their favorite part? “Well, Notre Dame Cathedral is DAME students and their breathtaking,” said junior Andrea Rueda, who was on her two language teachers, second trip to France with the spring tour. Mary Guarino and Elizabeth “I spent a really long time just walking Anderson-Zaczkowski, spent around and looking. I loved learning the spring break week in Paris, history of how they built it.” France, on a trip that Spanish Guarino said she couldn’t have asked teacher Guarino described as for a better group of students. All six girls “one big blur of happiness.” were juniors and seniors, and they were The week-long trip included fascinated by the historical and cultural The Eiffel Tower at twilight bus tours of the Latin Quarter, aspects of Paris that they were learning. the Bastille, Champs-Élysées and the Montmartre. The group “They were beside themselves with all took a trip down the Seine and visited the Arc de Triomphe, they saw,” she said. “They all became LEFT TO RIGHT: Spanish Teacher as well as museums, cafes, and—of course—The Louvre. such good friends and were so excited Mary Guarino, Andrea Rueda ’19, They watched the Eiffel Tower light up at night. They with every one of the activities they got Caitlin Trutt ’18, French Teacher Elizabeth Anderson-Zaczkowski, learned about art at the Picasso Museum. They attended to do. I can’t wait for next year.” Medalissa Kampmann ’18, Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral. Nicole Posade ’18, Alex Lucke ’18, BY SANDI SHELTON Angie Guzman ’18

www.notredame.org 1 LEFT TO RIGHT: Manjot Singh ’19, Kaylan Walcott ’19, Anabella McDonough ’19, Chris Taylor ’19, Angelica Zacarola ’19 A DAY OF HONORING MARY Brings Joy in Service On December 11, Notre Dame students joined in the first annual “Our Lady Day,” a school-wide day of activities to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the school.

IT WAS A DAY DESIGNED and coordinated “It was faith in action. It’s always really nice by Notre Dame’s Director of Campus Ministry, for the students to connect the things we teach, Jessica Medoff, who said she created the event and to put a face to the people we can serve and to help students see more clearly just how the to realize the different opportunities for giving lessons they learn in classes can be brought to that are out there,” Medoff said. real life. She said she wanted to use the Christmas The day began with Mass in the Sacred Heart season to celebrate fellowship, generosity of Chapel of the Holy Spirit, which was led by Fr. spirit, and faith. Ed McAuley ’65. Because Mary is “Our Mother,” Tamauri Attaud ’18, Connor Steer ’19 In addition to being entertained with music Medoff invited the mothers of current students and games and an inspirational speaker, the to sit in the front pews with their children, where students were given the chance to work on a they were given flowers and prayer cards. service project, packaging 10,000 meals of rice Attendees were treated to a special musical and protein to be sent to undernourished children performance by Mixed Company, an a cappella in Africa and South America by an organization group from Yale, along with a performance by called Rise Against Hunger. Notre Dame’s band and choir. Later, ND students They also designed and made Christmas presented a special Our Lady Day video during cards, rosary beads, and nativity scenes, which homeroom. were then donated to nursing homes in the area. Medoff also arranged for a speaker known

2 Notre Dame High School TOP LEFT: Andrew Prpich ’19 and Eric Araujo ’19; TOP RIGHT: Students and their moms enjoy the celebration of Mass.; BOTTOM: Honoring ND’s moms.

as “Rob the Drummer” to give a talk about character unique experience during a school day.” and intellect. His message and music emphasized the A highlight, he said, was the announcement of importance of the arts and using energy for positive the Marion Awards at the end of the day. “I loved things and making good choices. spotlighting those students and staff who serve Even the special luncheon honored Mary by others in such a special way,” he said. “I am so featuring selections from Mexico, Ireland, France, Italy appreciative to Jessica Medoff for all her hard work and China, all places in which she has appeared. in organizing this, and I certainly look forward to next At the end of the day, students, faculty and year’s celebration.” staff were recognized for their faith, outstanding Deacon John DiTaranto, Notre Dame’s Chaplain, moral character, patience and generosity with the was involved in the planning and said the day was presentation of Marion Awards. incredibly successful. One of his favorite parts came “It really was a full day of activities that during the closing assembly, as students lined up celebrated who we are and our dedication to our with blue and white balloons, which they lifted up as faith,” Medoff said. She said the plan is to have this they prayed decades of the rosary in several become an annual event, a chance to bring the languages. “It was a beautiful representation of our school together and perform service projects and community of faith,” he said. reflect on the meaning of giving. BY SANDI SHELTON Our Lady Day had another positive effect, too. It amplified an important aspect of Notre Dame’s new strategic plan, Raising the Bar: ND2020. “Mary Day was a wonderful opportunity for the “I loved spotlighting those students entire community to come together to celebrate our and staff who serve others in such a patroness,” said Principal Christopher Cipriano. “From the celebration of Mass to the preparing of thousands special way.” of meals for African families to a cultural lunch to our — PRINCIPAL CHRIS CIPRIANO special assembly, the day was a tremendous success and provided students, staff, and parents with a

www.notredame.org 3 Dakota Chavez ’20

STRATEGIC PLAN: YEAR ONE A SUCCESS—ONTO YEAR TWO Raising the Bar:ND2020

One year after adopting its ambitious three-year Strategic Plan, Notre Dame is marching forward. Raising the Bar: ND2020 has brought a new excitement about reaching its impressive goals, as faculty and staff and community members have joined forces to help Notre Dame continue to grow and flourish in the twenty-first century.

AFTER FIVE YEARS OF SUSTAINED GROWTH, to pass the baton to year two for those objectives to Raising the Bar was adopted last year as a way of fall into place as well.” keeping the school’s momentum moving forward, according to Principal Christopher Cipriano. STRATEGIC THEME 1: Committees were formed and ambitious goals were Inspired Learning outlined around four priority areas of institutional Notre Dame has always been committed to development and growth. These priorities are: developing the whole student, but the learning Inspired Learning, Transformative Faith, Christian goals go even deeper. Academic department heads Leadership, and Responsible Stewardship. have been working on a comprehensive curriculum “We are so proud of the progress our committees review, with an eye to providing more opportunities are making,” says Cipriano. “The specific goals for for student-centered learning—more active, year one have come together, and we’re now looking collaborative, and problem-based learning that

4 Notre Dame High School “We’ve set our goal to the out- come: the knowledge and skills our students need to have.” — KATHY ALMEIDA, TEACHER AND CO-CHAIR OF THE INSPIRED LEARNING COMMITTEE

History Teacher Anthony Guerrera with Brian Essing ’21 Katarzyna Zawadzki ’19, Toni Domingos ’21, Guidance Counselor Wayne Mones, Jazmine Fred ’20

cultivates critical reasoning, depth of understanding, According to Sue McGowan, director of guidance, effective communications, and problem solving. this expanded guidance program will help students— particularly those who need a little more direction One initiative for this first year has been developing and encouragement—to take risks and explore new a profile of a Notre Dame graduate. “We’ve looked interests. “Notre Dame is passionately committed to at what knowledge, skills, values, and sensibilities the holistic growth and flourishing of every student,” we want our graduates to have, and we are working says McGowan. “This program will give students a to develop our curriculum around that,” says Kathy personalized roadmap to discover and develop their Almeida, co-chair of the Inspired Learning committee fullest potential, one that sets them on a course for and a Notre Dame teacher. “We’ve set our goal to the success and happiness in college and in life.” outcome: the knowledge and skills our students need to have.” STRATEGIC THEME 2: Helping students grow, develop, and achieve—at all Christian Leadership levels—is the impetus for another exciting initiative: Raising the Bar is bringing about a concerted effort developing an integrated, four-year guidance and to inspire students, faculty and staff to answer the academic success program for every student. “We call to become Christian servant leaders. Notre Dame are expanding our guidance involvement with has framed this program around the cultivation of students across all four years of their Notre Dame “Four C’s”—Character, Calling, Competence, and experience, particularly to mentor and empower Confidence. These words are showing up around the freshmen and sophomores to become active and campus in posters and artwork, to inspire a model involved students, both in and out of the classroom. of active, responsive servant leadership, urging This will allow us to work with them on developing students to think about their commitment to others their interests and skills in these early years, making and their responsibility to become leaders in the their college preparation as juniors and seniors all community. the more meaningful and successful,” says Cipriano.

www.notredame.org 5 “Notre Dame will give students a personalized roadmap to discover and develop their fullest potential, one that sets them on a course for success and happiness in college and in life.” — SUE MCGOWAN, DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE

STRATEGIC THEME 4:

Danna Aguilar ’21 Responsible Stewardship Plans are also under way for a Student Leadership Notre Dame is always seeking to attract and enroll Institute, to help turn students into leaders and and retain “best-fit” students, those who will flourish to celebrate their accomplishments. The formal and reap the benefits of all that Notre Dame has structure and model for this Institute is coming to offer. This initiative seeks to ensure that the together, with the goal of launching it next year. Admissions and Advancement departments are “Leadership has always been celebrated at Notre operating with the necessary skills and resources to Dame,” says Anthony Guerrera, teacher and co- ensure their success in reaching and engaging all of leader of the Christian Leadership committee. “This Notre Dame’s audiences and communities. new Institute will formalize and focus our efforts to cultivate Christian leaders whose first priority is lifting Responsible stewardship, says Cipriano, is dedicated up those around them.” to “raising the bar to ensure continued growth and strengthen Notre Dame’s role as a leading Catholic STRATEGIC THEME 3: high school in Connecticut.” In this first year of Transformative Faith Raising the Bar, this committee has worked to define the infrastructure needed to support higher goals Helping students to know, to love, and to serve God going forward into year two—in the areas of staff, has always been a high priority for Notre Dame. To technology and resources, professional development further and deepen this commitment, efforts this and training, and communications. year have focused on expanding the presence of religious art and icons throughout the school. Notre Dame’s chaplain, Deacon John DiTaranto, directed the What’s Next? selection and purchase of new crucifixes that are now With year one goals accomplished, Cipriano says prominently displayed in all classrooms. In addition, that the planning committees are looking eagerly art students are painting and refurbishing a group of into deepening and completing their year-two goals. statues, brought over from the original school on Park He meets often with committees to encourage and Avenue, of Catholic saints, which will become part chart their progress, and he’s been excited by the of an effort to deepen students’ appreciation for the enthusiasm the new initiatives have brought about. model of Christian virtue exemplified by the saints. Scott Bannon ’92, who started last year as assistant Deacon John is also leading the effort to help principal, said it’s been exciting to watch the planning students develop a more meaningful prayer and and implementation process unfold. “Our community spiritual life, one that leads them to a closer is dedicated to the future success of Notre Dame relationship with Jesus and regular participation in High School,” he said. “On a personal note, I am the sacraments. “Our motto calls us each to be an proud to be a contributing member. The work that Imitator of Christ,” says Greg Vigliotta, Notre Dame we conduct as a team is powerful and meaningful theology teacher and member of the Transformative because it directly impacts our students today and Faith committee. “We are challenging students, and into the future.” our fellow faculty and staff, to go deeper in reflecting on what that actually means in terms of living in BY SANDI SHELTON relationship with Christ and with one another.”

6 Notre Dame High School Lady, would behislast. Boy, was hewrong. Mark Halstead ’80thoughtthesethecreated for hissenioryear springmusical,MyFair he recalled. And for Grease, heandthestudents were Chaperone we hadto landaplaneonstage . . did!” we . and into somethingthat looked good,” hesaid. needs andvisionofotherpeople, andblend themtogether because Ihadto take functionalrequirements, plusthe be takingplace. “Itwas great training for afuture architect understood what shewanted andwhere theactionwould had to work closely withthedirector to make sure he requirements necessary for theplay. That meantHalstead strong, ofcourse, butitalsohasto meetthefunctional was. Shewas puttingsomuchtrust into a17year-old kid.” said. “WhenIthinkbackonthat, Irealize how importantthat be creative andconstantly goadedmeinto doingbetter,” he days, whoputhimincharge. “Shereally challengedmeto Principal Sr. MarionRielly, director ofthemusicalsinthose seniors, buttheseniorsnever showed up,” heclaimed.Itwas sophomore year. “Itwas supposedto bemeandabunchof when hesignedupto helpbuildsetsfor Hello, Dolly!inhis task for twelve ofthespringmusicalsover thelast 40years. now anarchitect basedinFairfield, hasspearheadedthe The Play’s the Thing MARK HALSTEAD’80

His most challengingdesigns? “Well, for The Drowsy A theatre sethasto bemechanicallysoundand Halstead’s initiation into theworld oftheatre began As for designingandbuildingtheatre sets,Halstead, two ofhischildren are Lancers. and hisfive brothers andsisters and baptized intheNotre Damechapel, left onlywhenMarkwas born. Hewas at Notre Damebackinthe60s,and mother (MarieHalstead) was teaching am atrueNotre Damelifer.” Halstead’s “I never really left,” helaughed.“Ireally

BY NINARICCIO get aboost ofconfidence asthey seeitall come together.” but it’s importantfor themto have theresponsibility, andthey Sr. Marionencouraged him.“I’mhappy to bethere asaguide, and hehopesthat heencourages theminthesameway that creative intheirapproach to designandbuildingchallenges, the show. 1950s carthat was to popoutofthesetmidway through tasked withdesigningasetthat would accommodate areal A Tribute toJim information. A scholarshiphasrecently beensetupinJim’s honor. Pleasevisitourgivingpagefor did itwithabrace!” saidCrossin. right before openingnight,sohenotonlydidallthat dancing, he him from playing sports.“The craziest thingisthat hetore hisACL had battled cystic fibrosis since he was born,butthat didn’t stop was told he‘couldn’t’ do, like dancing,becauseofhisdisease.” Jim zone to dotheplay, partlybecauseheliked to dothingsthat he Maura Crossin ’03, remembered. “Buthegotoutofhiscomfort his battle withcystic fibrosis in2015. Halstead’s goalisto seestudents take theleadandbe “Jim was notinto theatre at all,” oneofhisgoodfriends, Roger Dunbar inthe2003 production. Jimlost Jim Stewart ’03, whoplayed therole ofCoach another way aswell. The show isdedicated to spring production ofFootloose isspecialin been amajorevent at Notre Dame, thisyear’s WHILE THESPRINGMUSICALhasalways www.notredame.org

7 the arts photo by Brian Pounds | CT Post

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! Lancers Win First Basketball Title After 61 Years We all know that miracles can happen—but it’s a special kind of miracle that takes place on a basketball court in the final minutes of a very tight game, and leads a school to become the state champions for the first time in its history.

THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED this year was, not think back and not think ahead. I said, ‘You with Notre Dame’s Lancers. They romped their way are writing a history book, and as long as you have through an undefeated season, 27–0, ending Sacred the pen in your hand, you have total control of your Heart of Waterbury’s 107–game winning streak history.’ And they lived that every day.” against in-state competition with a 65–60 victory in To give a little context, this was the Lancers’ the Division I championship game at the Mohegan fourth consecutive CIAC championship game. Sun Arena. Historically, they had been 0–5 in championship

CT Post | CT Brian Pounds by photo Not that it was easy, you understand. Head appearances, losing to Pomperaug in 1980 and Coach Watts celebrates with Coach Chris Watts, in his second year of coaching to Hillhouse in 1965. More importantly, they had an emotional hug. the Lancers, said that he and Assistant Coach been defeated by none other than Sacred Heart Tom Sparks ’06 knew they had a team that was (Waterbury) in the last two championship games. determined to win, and he searched for ways to keep They were mad, and they were ready to prove them focused on their goal. they could win. They’d already proven they had the “When we got to the 20th game, the stakes chops to fight hard. In the quarter finals against were much higher. Any time we lost after that, we Danbury, they were down 21 points in the fourth were going home,” Watts said. “I told them to just quarter and came back to win. live in the present, to see each game for what it “When they did that, I thought, ‘Wow, this just

8 Notre Dame High School might be our year to finally win a state championship!’” in prayer.’ I told them to get on their knees and thank said Bob Naedele, ’72, an alum who came to every God for the talent they’ve been given.” single home game for the past two years. “That was Principal Chris Cipriano said it was an amazing the most exciting basketball game I’ve ever seen.” season. “This was quite the fun ride the kids and Throughout the championship game, Sacred coaches took us on this year,” he said. “An undefeated Heart and Notre Dame battled each other for season and now number one in the state! After 61 every basket. Tensions ran high. The lead changed years, to bring in our first championship—and to do it sports eight times, the score was tied seven times. And by representing the school with such sportsmanship! at halftime, Sacred Heart, the four time defending It was a lot of fun to watch the games!” champion, was ahead 26–25. Dave Bike, ’65, was on the team that lost the But then came the last quarter. With just 3:20 championship game fifty-three years ago, and he minutes left to play, Sacred Heart still had a one-point went on to coach at Sacred Heart University for 35 lead (55–54). It looked like it was going to be the same years. He was in the stands to watch this year’s team old heartbreak for the Lancers—but then, with under capture the honor. two minutes left in the game, senior Tyler Bourne made “They had some a free throw that put the Lancers ahead 59–57. With talented players,” he two more free throws to take, Bourne brought the said. “They were well score to 63–57, and although Sacred Heart put up coached and played a fight, it was never able to regain the lead, and the hard. I was very game ended with the Lancers winning 65–60. impressed.” As the final buzzer sounded, the whole Mohegan Tony Tozzi, ’72, Sun Arena erupted, the kids went crazy, and Coach said he was there to Watts turned to face the crowd and held his arms up celebrate with the into the sky. team when it won. “I was very emotional and happy for the kids, “This was so well- particularly for the seniors who worked so hard and deserved,” he said. had lost before to this team,” Watts said. “My mom “Chris Watts is such was there, and I made my way into the bleachers and a good coach, and he gave her a hug. I was crying. To tell you the truth, I’m pulled some of those still amazed and happy, all these months later. I can’t games out of his hat. get over it.” He’s a true gentleman, Watts has since been named USA Today’s Coach and you can’t help but of the Year for Connecticut, as well as the New Haven root for him. He stayed Register Coach of the Year, and the whole Lancers calm through all team received the Team of the Year award by the those games, kept his Connecticut Coaches Association. Also, Bourne and vision, kept his team senior Noreaga Davis were named to the CHSCA focused.” FLASHBACK TO THE 1971–72 BASKETBALL SEASON—Walt All-State First Team, Division I, as well as the All State As for Naedele, he said the championship Luckett (33) of Kolbe appears to have a firm grip on this rebound First Team, Division I by the New Haven Register. under the Notre Dame basket at Fairfield University last night. game was everything Josh Reaves was named to the All State Second Notre Dame dominated the overall rebounding battle as it took he’d hoped. “It was Team, Division I by the New Haven Register, and all a 97–80 decision from the Friars to gain the MBIAC Champion- like watching a three were named All Conference by the SWC. ship. Seen vying for the ball with Luckett is Mark Gildea of Notre heavyweight fight Dame. To the right are Dennis McLaughlin (22) and Barry McLeod The win cemented two years of team-building with one team (20) of Notre Dame. that relied on trust and truth between the players, delivering blow after he said. blow only to have the “It was the kids who did this,” he said. “It was other team respond,” he said. “One thing I believe is, all the kids! They were a tight-knit group from ‘Once a Lancer, always a Lancer!’ Several times this the beginning of the year, and from my years of season, I would talk with the players before the coaching, I’ve seen that the best teams are the ones game, and I told them they weren’t just playing for who are close. I encouraged them to coach each themselves, they were playing for every alumnus. It other and be positive. We’d watch games together, just doesn’t get any better than this!” and we’d eat together. I told them when I started at the school two years ago, ‘I’m going to hug a lot, and BY SANDI SHELTON I’m going to cry. I’m an emotional guy, and I believe

www.notredame.org 9 10 sports Notre Dame High School New Heights Soaring to NOREAGA DAVIS ’18 different way. Isaw how my life could be.” it seemedwhere Icamefrom. Ilearnedto carrymyself a here openedmy eyes to thefact that life isway more than easy at first, Iknew Ihad to stay focused,” hesaid.“Being teachers, administrators andstudents have given him. be pursuinghisdream—and for thehelpthat Notre Dame of Connecticut coach JimCalhoun. in biochemistry, andplaying basketball for former University Dame, willattend St. JosephUniversity inthefall, majoring true. Davis, whohada3.9grade pointaverage at Notre want to seeanybody hurtingtheway my family was hurting.” my mindthat Iwas goingto helppeople,” hesaid.“Ididn’t others’ suffering by becoming aneurosurgeon. “Imadeup cousin to cancer. before Christmas. Andfive years ago, helost his4-year-old whom hecallsMom.Helost acousin to gangviolence just the timehewas ababy, andheisbeingraised by hisaunt, with crimeanddruguse. Hisparents were incarcerated from would have defeated alotofkids. to NDasafreshman from circumstances that per gameinthe2018 championshipseason,came extraordinary life that seniorNoriDavis hashad. most basketball players haven’t hadthetough, surgeons whenthey’re outonthecourt—but then probably aren’t dreaming ofcareers asneuro- MOST HIGHSCHOOL Get Ready, Fans! LancerFootball HasaNew Coach “WhenIcameto Notre Dame, even thoughitwasn’t He saidhecould notbemore excited andgrateful to His dream ofhelpingotherpeopleiscloserto coming That was whenhedecidedthat hewanted to ease He isoneof11children, livinginaneighborhoodfilled Davis, a6'4"forward whoaveraged 20points BASKETBALL PLAYERS

conversation asoneofthe area’s top football programs,” hesays. competing at alevel thisseasonthat will putNotre DameFootball backinto the basketball team took home theDivisionIstate championship. “Ilookforward to place to buildachampionshipprogram, asevidenced thiswinter whenthe Sadler, whoresigned after three seasonsat Notre Dame. where hecoached for 13years, the last 10asHead Coach. Heisreplacing Chris he’s determined to bringtheLancers to awhole new level. NOTRE DAME HASas thenew HIREDJOHNJOHNSON football coach, and Johnson says that Notre Damehastheadministrative structure in Johnson comes from Bullard-Havens Technical HighSchool in Bridgeport, testament to what typeofpersonheis.” better personfor it.Heknows what hewants to do. It’s a every challengethat’s beenputinfront ofhim,andhe’s a but whenhedoes,everyone listens.” smart andhelpstheyounger players. Hedoesn’ttalkmuch, corner. process andhasshown himthat hewillalways beinhis backbone oftheteam,” hashelpedhimwiththecollege able to turnto. Coach ChrisWatts, whocalledDavis “the Sweeney, hisreligion teacher, aspeoplehehasalways been Mrs. MaryGuarino, hisSpanishteacher, aswell asMr. Frank Notre Damewas thebest decisionIever made.” teacher here hashelpedmeinadifferent way. Coming to I belonged,andopenedupto people. Pretty muchevery helped alot.“Itgave meafamily,” hesaid.“Ireally felt like he belonged.Playing onthe basketball team at Notre Dame BY SANDI SHELTON Principal Christopher Ciprianosaid,“Hehasrisenabove “He iswell-respected by hispeers,” saidWatts. “Heis He mentionedMr. Pete Cofrancesco, hismath teacher; At first, times were hard, headmitted, andhedidn’t feel there, andhewas willing to dothat.” a doctor andrealized he’d needto make sacrifices to get math teacher Ms.Sherrie Zembrzuski. “Hewanted to become and he’d dowhat heneededto doto reach hisgoal,” saidhis doing. “Hewas agreat student becausehewas motivated, to beamonghisbest friendstoday. and theresponse isalways thesame:Ahugegrin. Mention thename“Joe Juice” to anyone whowas hangingaround Notre Damein2008, MEDICINE MAN: But football wasn’t theonlythingJoewas goodat Joe’s friendgroup andcontinue teammates formed thecore of and consistency,” hesaid.Those taught mefriendshipandloyalty instant click. “Being onthat team Dame football team, Joefelt an Fairfield for his sophomore year. by way oftheBronx, landingin kid from Nigeriawhocame to ND JOE WAS ATRANSPLANT, a

AsamemberoftheNotre Joe Iluore ’08 Joe BY NINARICCIO have usedmy passion for runningto raise money for Sacred Heartscholarships.” for SHU’s track andcross country teams. toughness to getthrough amarathon,” saidDr. Boyle, whoisalsoafaculty mentor winter. “Runninginthebitter cold isamentalchallenge, andyou needthat mental six days aweek, even during that longstretch ofbelow-freezing weather thispast raised onherfundraising page was $7,500. proud to represent SHU init,” shesaid.At thecloseofrace day, thegrand total marathons (each just over 13miles), was “this my first fullmarathon, andI was for JohnHancock, theprimaryrace sponsor. Althoughshehasrunninehalf got thechance to compete through aSacred Heartboard member whoworks she isanassociate professor ofmath. weather conditions to raise scholarshipmoney for Sacred HeartUniversity, where ND andwas founder of theindoortrack team—Dr. Boyle putupwithpunishing just over four hours.An avid runnerfor most ofherlife—she ran cross-country at in herrunningcareer whenshecompeted inApril’s Boston Marathon, finishingin IN WINDANDDRIVINGRAIN,Bernadette Boyle ’03 reached anothermilestone RUN LIKEAGIRL Finishes Boston Marathon Bernadette Boyle ’03 “I love runningandIalways have,” saidDr. Boyle. “Icouldn’t behappierto Training for amarathon requires commitment…and plentyofit.Dr. Boyle ran The Boston Marathon issopopularthat entryistightlylimited. Dr. Boyle BY NINARICCIO to dowhat you love most. you make orhow much power you have, butabouttheability emergency medicine withaconcentration inpediatrics. reaching hisdream ofbecoming adoctor—he’s interested in school at theUniversity ofBuffalo, andcloserthanever to on neurodegenerative diseasesinchildren. He’s now inmedical Health inMaryland,where hespenttwo years doingresearch highly competitive fellowship at theNational Institutes of scholarship, andupongraduation landedaprestigious and come withtremendous responsibility. he’s beengiven, andhasthesensethat thoseopportunities support for them aswell. Herecognizes alltheopportunities had tremendous respect for hisfamily, andhasbeenagreat Success, Joehassaid,isnotabouthow muchmoney After ND, Joeattended Syracuse University onafull Family was anothermotivator for Joe. Hehasalways

www.notredame.org

11 alumni news 2018 Lancer Legacy Gala

THE 225 PEOPLE WHO FILTERED INTO THE WATERVIEW IN MONROE on a chilly night in March were all there to celebrate Notre Dame, share some fond memories and honor those in the Notre Dame community who have gone above and beyond in living out the mission of the school. The Lancer Legacy Gala is always a special night, and this year’s celebration was no exception. “The addition of our two new awards, the “Excellence in Education Award” and the “Parent Award,” growing ND growing made the evening even more noteworthy,” said Director of Advancement/Alumni Relations Theresa (Saia ’79) Marzik, P’04,’06,’10, adding that these awards gave the school the opportunity to thank a broader range of people who have worked so hard to make Notre Dame the unique community that it is. “As always, it’s gratifying to see so many alumni and friends of Notre Dame gather to congratulate our 1 honorees. It’s a fun event, of course, but above all, it’s a great way to celebrate all that is Notre Dame.”

Sister Marion Rielly Leadership Award 2 3 Fr. Tom Lynch ’62, pastor of St. James Parish in Stratford, serves as a Dean within the Diocese of Bridgeport. Co- author of After the Diagnosis: A Guide for Living.

Carole Christy Surina Educator Award Dr. Michelle Carbone Loris ’64, associate dean in the College of Arts & Sciences at Sacred Heart. Serves as 4 Chair of the Department of Catholic Studies and Director of the SHU Journey. 5

Notre Dame Community Impact Award Russell Colon, president of Colonial Coating. Supports the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders program and 6 funding for private high school and college scholarships.

Notre Dame Excellence in Education Award

John J. Reidy, Notre Dame teacher from 1964 to 2010. 7 English Department Chair for 24 years and Dean of 8 Students for 14. Coached 42 seasons of sports at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame Parent Award Michelle McGuire, active member of the Parent Association and co-chair of the grandparent’s mass 9 10 and breakfast and the annual scrap booking fundraiser. Assists or chairs Open House, the fall flower sale, the spring musical and annual Gala.

Alumni Hall of Fame Honorees Chanel Cathey ’04, Patricia Silk Popp ’86, Matthew Reale ’82 1 Michelle Loris; 2 The Reidy Family; 3 Chris Cipriano and Michelle McGuire; 4 Patti Popp and Family; 5 Chanel Cathy with her mom and Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees dad; 6 Fr. Tom Lynch with Chris Cipriano; 7 Matt Reale with Friends Jeff Velleca ’05, Lindsey Russo ’10 and Family; 8 Matt Reale and Chris Cipriano; 9 Retired Notre Dame Team Inductee: 1986–87 Hockey Faculty Members; 10 Lindsay Russo with Chris Cipriano

12 Notre Dame High School AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS A Guide for Living

The Reverend Father Thomas F. Lynch ’62 has been the pastor of St. James Parish in Stratford for the past thirty years, and in that time, he’s counseled a lot of people who are grappling with loss and death.

NOW HE’S THE CO-AUTHOR, with Barbara all costs—is the wrong thing. That only intensifies Mariconda, of a book, After the Diagnosis: A Guide for our suffering. I want this book to begin a new Living, which offers help for anyone who is facing loss, conversation.” or a difficult diagnosis for themselves or a loved one, This book, he said, is more about living than and who seeks a loving approach to making the most dying. While offering concrete strategies to help of the precious time they have left. patients and caregivers, he hopes it will empower The book came about, he says, because he has people to have the open, honest, and loving seen again and again the personal suffering people conversations people need to have with their loved Father Tom Lynch feel when life is drawing to a close, and the way they ones as they walk this path together. So often people feel radically isolated from everyone and everything waste the precious time they have by fighting, yet he they’ve loved. And he knows from his experience as a said he has seen people transform the time before counselor and pastor that there is a much better way. death into being the best time of their lives. “We don’t talk about death in our society,” said Father Lynch. “Every single one of us is going to die, After the Diagnosis: A Guide for Living is available for sale. Go to www.journeyofthesoulbooks.com for more information or to read and yet when we get a diagnosis, everything we’re an excerpt. told by society to do—to fight it, to avoid death at

Faculty Legend Wins Excellence Award for 42 Years of Teaching

Jay Reidy, a former English teacher at Notre Dame High School for 46 years, was named the first recipient of the Excellence in Education Award at the school’s annual Gala.

KNOWN FOR HIS DEDICATION and commitment Claudia Miller, who taught with Reidy for many to his students—and for the excellent magic tricks years, called him a “gentleman and a scholar” and he would perform—Reidy was also chairman of the said, “He has a deep sense of integrity, and he taught Jay and Mary Jane Reidy English department for 24 years, dean of students for us about the love of learning, caring about our 14 years, and coached 42 seasons of sports at Notre students, and the pride that is Notre Dame.” Dame, including baseball, cross-country, swimming Reidy said he was deeply honored by the award. and tennis. “I couldn’t have spent my life at a better place,” he Principal Christopher Cipriano called him a said. “One of the great rewards of teaching is seeing “Notre Dame faculty legend,” and quoted several of that even students who found high school to be a the many nominations from colleagues and students challenging time of life turn out to be successful that Reidy received for the award, praising him adults. Seeing them go on to college and be for his fairness, his work ethic, and for challenging successful there and beyond has been so rewarding. students to do more than they thought they could. BY SANDI SHELTON As one student put it, “I will be forever grateful to this teacher and mentor who has made such an enormous impact on my life.”

www.notredame.org 13 PRSRT STD PRSRT FIRST CLASS NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE US POSTAGE US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID PERMIT # 1035 PERMIT # 1035 PERMIT # 1035 SPFLD, MA SPFLD, MA SPFLD, MA

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LANCER HIGHLIGHTS

ND’s First Individual Lancer Baseball Secures 4th State Title in Program State Golf Champion History AJ Bouvier ‘18 won the individual “We had hopes of doing this at the beginning of the year, but the feeling . . . portion of the Class S State you can’t describe it.” —BOB KAROSY ’18 Tournament—shooting a 73!

Basketball’s 1st Title in 61 Years! As the final buzzer sounded, the whole Mohegan Sun Arena erupted, the kids went crazy, photo by Brian Pounds | CT Post and Coach Watts turned to face the crowd and held his arms up into the sky.

READ THE full story on page 8